U-T Person of year: The Marine

Cpl. Jason Gaal, who was promoted to squad leader after another Marine he admired died, keeps a watch on his squad as he leads them on an overnight combat patrol in Afghanistan in March, 2011.

Cpl. Jason Gaal, who was promoted to squad leader after another Marine he admired died, keeps a watch on his squad as he leads them on an overnight combat patrol in Afghanistan in March, 2011. (Nelvin C. Cepeda)

U.S. Marines raise a memorial American flag imprinted with the names of the Sept. 11, 2001 attack victims, at Forward Operating Base Jackson, in Sangin, Helmand province. Ten years have passed since the deadly suicide attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, led the United States to wage war in Afghanistan.

U.S. Marines raise a memorial American flag imprinted with the names of the Sept. 11, 2001 attack victims, at Forward Operating Base Jackson, in Sangin, Helmand province. Ten years have passed since the deadly suicide attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, led the United States to wage war in Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)